Ken Davidoff's 7th-inning stretch

Deal for a Prince

Scott Boras stood in the middle of a hotel ballroom Monday as some of his clients spoke to the media in advance of the All-Star Game. But foremost on the mind of the game's premier agent was an absent client: Prince Fielder.

The Brewers' first baseman, 26, can't be a free agent until after the 2011 season. Yet Boras already has a comparable in mind: Mark Teixeira.

Yup, the agent likes to set the bar high. But will anyone offer Fielder anything approaching the eight-year, $180-million package the Yankees gave to Mark Teixeira?

It's going to be awfully difficult. The Yankees won't; they have Teixeira. The Mets have Ike Davis. The Red Sox? Maybe, although they seem to be more intrigued by San Diego first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, also a free agent after 2011.

The Dodgers? Maybe, if their ownership situation is resolved by then. Keep in mind, however, that the hefty Fielder wears the "future designated hitter" label, whether he wants to or not.

However, you bet against Boras at your own risk. Keep in mind that he convinced the Cardinals to give Matt Holliday a seven-year, $120-million deal last offseason, as St. Louis was worried that Holliday would sign a lucrative, one-year deal with the Yankees. Brian Cashman was as likely to bring Polly "Flo" Holliday aboard as he was Matt Holliday last winter.

Will the Brewers trade Fielder before he becomes a free agent? I wouldn't bet on it. Brewers owner Mark Attanasio doesn't seem to have an interest in rebuilding.

Can we talk?

This marks Major League Baseball's 15th straight season without any sort of labor-induced shortage or interruption. It's a run of peace in which Bud Selig takes a considerable amount of pride.

And . . . it's almost time to head back to the bargaining table. The collective-bargaining agreement expires Dec. 11, 2011. Talks for a new CBA could start this winter.

There might be just as much tension between big-market and small-market teams as between the teams and the players. Red Sox principal owner John Henry, for one, has been critical of small-market clubs that don't seem to spend their revenue-sharing take on improving the team.

One concession that the Players Association might be willing to make: the formation of a worldwide draft. That could help the owners contain costs by eliminating the current free-agent market for international amateurs. Officially slotting the draft would draw a larger fight from the union however, as the players don't want to "eat their young" by limiting signing bonuses.

The Dickey deal

The Mets' R.A. Dickey shows no sign of turning back into a pumpkin, and if he keeps up his superb effort, he might be the industry's best bargain of 2010.

How much are the Mets paying Dickey? The righthander received roughly $22,500 for his month and a half in the minor leagues. He's getting paid a prorated salary of $600,000, which computes to about $450,000.

The 35-year-old is on pace to make 25 starts for the Mets. If he does so, as per a "points system" in his contract, he'd make another $100,000. That's a total of $572,500, which is what Oliver Perez makes in roughly eight and three-quarters days.

So long, Boss

Today's George Steinbrenner recollection: After the 2000 season - their third straight World Series title, and fourth in five years - the Yankees targeted free-agent pitcher Julian Tavarez. When Tavarez signed with the Cubs instead, The Boss grew so enraged that he ordered his decision-makers to sit in a conference room (at the team's minor-league complex in Tampa) all day on a Saturday.

Of course, when the Yankees then fell two outs short of a fourth straight championship, Steinbrenner probably felt the punishment was justified.

The Yankees tallied 114 postseason victories under Steinbrenner's ownership, from 1973 through last year. Second best in that time? The Braves, with 63. Thanks to Stats Inc. for the tidbit.

Pop quiz

This Hall of Fame pitcher beaned Al Bundy with a pitch in a 1992 episode of "Married With Children." Name him.

Three teams with multiple needs

Angels. A bat and an arm would help them catch up to the Rangers.

Mets. A starting pitcher and a relief pitcher.

Philadelphia. They could use help both in the starting rotation and in the infield.

Three potentially available relievers

Octavio Dotel, Pittsburgh. Probably the best guy out there.

Kevin Gregg, Toronto. Enjoying a good year, although he doesn't have a great history.

Scott Downs, Toronto. Probably the best lefty out there.

Head-scratcher of the week: Even after hearing two attempted explanations by Joe Girardi, it still isn't clear why Alex Rodriguez never entered the All-Star Game.

Concern of the week: Jose Reyes' oblique injury sure is taking a long time to heal.

Quote of the week: "Simply put, Mr. Steinbrenner and Mr. Sheppard both left this organization in a much better place then when they first arrived. They've set the example for all employees of the New York Yankees to strive to follow." Derek Jeter, in his speech to Yankees fans Friday night.

Pop quiz answer

Steve Carlton. Thanks to Fred Snyder of Farmingville for the suggestion.